Using genomes and evolutionary analyses to screen for potential virulence factors in Xylella fastidiosa

We are investigating the variation in genome content of the plant pathogen Xylella fastidiosa. X. fastidiosa is transmitted by xylem-feeding insect vectors, and it was first identified as the causal agent of Pierces Disease (PD), an economically devastating disease in grapevines (Vitis vinifera ssp. vinifera).